Kara Sears
When applying for a law clerk position, it is essential to provide references that can attest to your abilities and qualifications. References are a critical aspect of the application process, and while they may not be requested initially, having a list prepared beforehand is advantageous. The list should include individuals who can speak to your specific skills and provide examples, such as previous colleagues, supervisors, or professors. It is also beneficial to indicate the context of the reference and list them in order of your employment history, with the most recent first. For judicial clerkships, recommendation letters from faculty members or employers are highly valued, and providing the judge with a list of recommenders' names and contact information is recommended. However, an employer's reference should not substitute for one of the required recommendations unless specifically requested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to list references | Only present references when asked for them, and only present a preliminary list of anyone who may be contacted before you accept an offer. |
| Who to list as references | People who can vouch for you professionally, such as partners and senior associates at your current firm, or people you have worked with previously. |
| How many references to list | Provide the number of references requested by the recruiting department. Two or three is typical. |
| How to list references | Include the names and contact information of your references. |
| Context for references | Indicate the context in which you know the reference, e.g., "X firm litigation partner with whom I worked on four MDL matters". |
| Order of references | List references in order of your employment history, with the most recent first. |
| Specific strengths | If you want a reference to address a specific strength, note that when listing the reference. |
| Oral references | If a judge is unwilling to write a letter of recommendation, they may allow themselves to be listed as a non-letter-writing oral reference. |
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What You'll Learn
Law clerk references are important
Law clerk references are an important part of the application process for clerkships and attorney positions. A well-constructed reference list can increase your chances of securing a clerkship. Here are some key reasons why law clerk references are important:
Firstly, references provide an opportunity for others to speak on your behalf and attest to your abilities. This is crucial as it offers potential employers an insight into your skills, qualifications, and work ethic from a third-party perspective. Whether you are applying for a clerkship or an attorney position, references are essential in showcasing your capabilities and suitability for the role.
Secondly, references can make or break your job application. While a strong resume and cover letter are important, references play a pivotal role in locking up or sinking your job offer. It is crucial to carefully select references who can enthusiastically speak to your specific skills and provide examples from your work together. This can leave a lasting impression on potential employers and increase your chances of being hired.
Additionally, the quality and relevance of your references matter. When creating your reference list, consider including professors, supervisors, or attorneys who can speak to your analytical abilities, writing skills, and other relevant competencies. It is also beneficial to include partners and senior associates from your current or previous firm, as long as you have a good relationship with them and they can provide a positive review.
Furthermore, the timing and presentation of your references are important. While it is not necessary to include references with every application, you should always have a list ready to provide when requested. Present your references in a clear and concise format, listing them in order of your employment history, with the most recent first. Also, indicate the context of each reference, such as their position and your working relationship.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of a good relationship with your references. It is important to develop strong connections with potential references before you need them. This ensures that they know you and your work well and can provide a more personalized and enthusiastic recommendation. A strong relationship with your references can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your job applications.
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How to ask for references
When applying for a job, it is essential to have a list of references ready. A reference check is a standard process most companies follow before making an offer to a candidate. While it is usually the final step of the interview process, employers may ask for references as early as the application phase.
Choose the right people
Select individuals who can speak highly of your accomplishments, work ethic, character, and qualifications. The best references are often former managers or supervisors for whom you worked in a similar or related capacity. However, early in your career, teachers or coaches can also be strong references. It is also a good idea to include credible references who can speak positively about your qualities and experience.
Notify your referees in advance
Let your potential references know that you are applying for jobs and listing them as references. This will allow them to prepare and ensure they are ready to take any calls or fill out any questionnaires that may be required.
Ask politely and be mindful of their response
When reaching out to your referees, be polite and mindful of how your request is being received. It is important to respect their time and willingness to help.
Send a thoughtful email or make a phone call
When asking for a reference, provide some details about the request, including timelines. You can also offer to send your updated resume and information about the position you are applying for.
Follow up
After your reference agrees to provide a reference for you, be sure to follow up to thank them for their support. It is also good practice to follow up with your referees after the reference check to keep them informed about your job search progress.
Remember, it is always a good idea to have a list of potential references ready, but you should also be mindful of the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. For example, for clerkship applications, longer letters of recommendation may be required, whereas, for other positions, a phone call or brief letter may suffice.
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Who to ask for references
When applying for a new job, it is important to have a list of references ready to go. References can be included on a separate page or in the main document of your application. However, it is worth noting that employers will not be interested in your references until they are well into the hiring process. Therefore, there is no need to feel obligated to include references in every application.
So, who should you ask for a reference? Firstly, it is important to ask someone who knows you and your work and will enthusiastically speak to your strengths. This could be a previous colleague or supervisor who can vouch for your work-related qualifications and specific skills. If you are a recent law school graduate, you might include a supervisor from a previous, non-legal job or a professor who can address skills relevant to the new position, such as analytical ability and writing skills. For current associates, attorneys who supervised your work at your current firm but have since left are also good references. You can also list partners and senior associates at your current firm, but make clear that they may not be contacted until after you have received a written offer.
In addition, if you are applying for a clerkship, it is helpful to have a reference from an employer who knows about the judicial clerkship process or the particular judge you are applying to work for. Judges may also be willing to serve as oral references, so it is worth asking if they would be open to a phone call. Professors who have clerked for the judge or worked at the same firm can also be valuable references.
When providing your list of references, indicate the context in which you know each reference and list them in order of your employment history, with the most recent first. It is generally recommended to provide a list of two to four people as references, and to only include more if specifically requested by the recruiting department.
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When to include references in applications
When it comes to job applications, references are an essential component that can make or break your chances of securing the position. While the specific requirements and expectations may vary across industries, understanding when and how to include references is crucial. Here are some detailed guidelines on when to include references in your applications:
Understanding the Purpose of References
References serve as a testament to your capabilities, skills, and character. They provide potential employers with valuable insights into your work ethic, academic credentials, and professional achievements. By sharing references, you allow others to vouch for your abilities and confirm your claims about yourself. This social proof enhances your credibility and boosts your chances of being selected.
Industry Standards and Preferences
It is important to recognize that different industries have varying norms regarding references. For instance, in the legal field, references from professors or other professional connections within the legal academy are highly valued. In contrast, in other fields, references from previous employers, managers, or colleagues may be more applicable. Always consider the specific industry standards and preferences when deciding whom to include as a reference.
The Timing of Reference Inclusion
The timing of when to include references in your applications is an important consideration. While it was once common to include references directly on a resume or within the initial application materials, this practice is now considered outdated and unnecessary. Instead, most employers will wait until the later stages of the hiring process, such as after the initial screening or interview, to request references. This allows them to focus on a smaller pool of candidates and avoid inundating themselves with reference checks for numerous applicants. Therefore, unless specifically requested by the employer, it is generally advisable to refrain from including references upfront and wait until they are asked for.
Selecting the Right References
Choosing the right references is crucial. Aim for a diverse list that includes references from your educators, previous employers, and former colleagues. This demonstrates that individuals from various areas of your network are willing to speak highly of you. Ensure that your references can speak to your specific skills, educational background, work experience, and any other qualifications relevant to the position you are applying for. It is also essential to maintain open communication with your references, keeping them informed about your job search and the specific positions for which you have provided their details.
Providing Accurate and Up-to-Date Information
When including references in your applications, it is imperative to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information. Double-check the spelling of names, email addresses, and telephone numbers to ensure prospective employers can easily reach your references. It is also a thoughtful gesture to inform your references beforehand, so they are not caught off guard by unexpected inquiries. Additionally, always obtain consent from your references before sharing their details, demonstrating professionalism and respect for their time and willingness to support your job search.
In conclusion, while the inclusion of references is an essential aspect of job applications, it is important to strike a balance between providing this information when necessary and ensuring that the references you choose are well-suited to highlight your strengths and align with the specific requirements of the position and industry.
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How many references to include
The number of references to include in a job application depends on the industry, role level, and the candidate's professional experience. Typically, employers ask for two to three references. However, federal judges prefer at least one but ideally two law professors as recommenders.
When applying for a law clerk position, it is essential to choose references who can speak to your abilities and qualifications. These can include former employers, partners, judges, clients, peers, and law school professors. It is also beneficial to include well-known political, community, or business leaders, as well as members of professional associations.
While it is not necessary to include references in the initial application, it is crucial to have a list of references ready. References should be provided as a separate attachment, including the referee's name, title, contact information, and a sentence explaining how you know them.
It is also worth noting that some judges may refuse to write letters of recommendation but may allow themselves to be listed as non-letter-writing references. Therefore, it is essential to ask permission from your references before providing their names to potential employers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, references are important for law clerk positions. Judges will want to see letters from your recommenders, and it is helpful to include their names and contact information in your application.
You should ask people who know you and your work and can speak enthusiastically about your skills and abilities. This could include professors, supervisors, attorneys, or partners and senior associates at your firm.
Typically, two to four references are sufficient. It is important to provide a straightforward list of people who can vouch for you professionally and speak to your specific skills.
You should have a list of references ready to go when applying for jobs, but you are not obligated to include it in every application. You can indicate that references are available upon request, which is implicit in every application.
Include the names and contact information of your references, as well as the context of how you know them (e.g., "X firm litigation partner with whom I worked on four MDL matters"). List them in order of your most recent employment first.
